by ‘J’, a China co-worker from New Zealand

It was very hot, humid and smelly. The water ran over our feet and through our suitcases as we waited for a taxi. We had arrived in Hong Kong during a typhoon. We joined a courier team and spent two and a half weeks doing border crossings into China with loads of books. I was pleased to have done it, but I never ever wanted to return. However, after six weeks at home my husband and I were booked on the following year’s team!
The next trip lasted six weeks and three experiences impacted me greatly. First was the long courier trip to East China and travelling 32 hours on a train. Second was spending afternoons helping at a home for severely handicapped children in Hong Kong. Third was a visit to a state-run orphanage inside China. I was struck by the plight of the handicapped children.
The following year, we took a team of eight to work in an orphanage for a week. It was life-changing. Our hearts were lost to China and her abandoned children. From 1997 onwards, we joined an AM-CCSM mercy team each year and worked in state-run orphanages.
After being on a team to a new area of China, I felt God’s call to that place. Health issues intervened, but when the Lord gave my husband his call, He also assured me that He would strengthen my heart.
We arrived in that area in July 2003. Although our work did not turn out as we had expected, we were still sure we were in the right place. We began working in the city orphanage and continued throughout that year. We saw the plight of the disabled children and became convinced that we could do more. At the end of that year we visited an orphanage work in another city and this strengthened our resolve. Many doors had closed for us but God had given us a word that He was going to open a door and nobody was going to be able to close it.
After much stalling from the authorities, finally a breakthrough came. We were allocated a small unused wing comprising four rooms of the orphanage. Redecorating began with the help of some Chinese friends. After training our carers, we took in our first children. Our unit for special needs children had now been born. The Lord has opened the doors; He has enabled and provided for the work; and all the glory goes to Him!